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Red Sox Rumors: 5 relief pitchers to target before the MLB trade deadline

By Rudi Richards

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: Sean Doolittle #63 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on June 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: Sean Doolittle #63 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on June 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at Progressive Field on June 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Yankees 8-4.(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at Progressive Field on June 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Yankees 8-4.(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /

2. Brad Hand

Brad Hand‘s combination of his fastballs and his slider make him one of the most effective late-inning guys in the game. Although he is on a bigger contract than what would be desired, Hand is definitely a bullpen arm that’s worth giving up a couple of pieces for and could prove to be the vital guy that the Red Sox need after not getting over the losses of Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly yet.

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Over his last six seasons, including the start of this year, Hand hasn’t had a season ERA of over 3.05 – making him one of the premier closers in the game. Over 36.1 IP this season, Hand’s developed a WHIP of 0.963, producing a number of excellent innings for the Indians. He’s also a pitcher who can keep the ball in the park – something that the Sox are desperate for given the current bullpen’s weaknesses in giving up homers.

An Indians team that is trailing the surprising Minnesota Twins by 7 games in the AL Central could be reluctant to let Hand go. He’d be a vital part for them in whether or not they make it to October this year.  If Cleveland does sell at the deadline, Hand could be a top target for the Sox.

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